Introducing stem cells
A life story…
Stem Cell – Definition A cell that has the ability to
Stem Cell Characteristics ‘Blank cells’ (unspecialized) Capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods of time ( ) Have the potential to
Kinds of Stem Cells Stem cell type DescriptionExamples Totipotent Cells from early (1-3 days) embryos Pluripotent Some cells of blastocyst (5 to 14 days) Multipotent Fetal tissue, cord blood, and adult stem cells
stem cell What is a stem cell? stem cell SELF-RENEWAL (copying) specialized cell e.g. muscle cell, nerve cell DIFFERENTIATION (specializing)
This cell Can form the Embryo and placenta This cell Can just form the embryo Fully mature
Kinds of Stem Cells Embryonic stem cells Embryonic germ cells derived from the part of a human embryo or fetus that will ultimately produce eggs or sperm ( ). Adult stem cells undifferentiated cells found among specialized or differentiated cells in appear to have a more restricted ability to produce different cell types and to self-renew.
Pluripotent Stem Cells –
Embryonic stem (ES) cells: What they can do embryonic stem cells PLURIPOTENT all possible types of specialized cells differentiation
Embryonic Stem Cells Mainly from IVF
Multipotent stem cells Multipotent stem cells –
Tissue stem cells: What they can do MULTIPOTENT blood stem cell found in bone marrow differentiation only specialized types of blood cell: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets
Skin Fat Cells Bone marrow Brain Many other organs & tissues Adult Stem Cells An undifferentiated cells found among cells in a tissue or organ after birth
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Stem cell jargon Potency Pluripotent Multipotent